Is Your Ford Focus a Lemon?

Do you own a Ford Focus? Understanding the mechanical problems common with this vehicle could save you time, money, and injury.

A class action lawsuit, consumer complaints, and repeated manufacturers’ recalls offer evidence of the difficulties experienced by a large number of Ford Focus drivers. The problems can rack up enough that Focus owners could have a lemon on their hands.

Below are some of the complaints associated with the Focus.

If your new or late model Ford Focus has
undergone at least three repairs for an issue covered under its current
manufacturer warranty, and/or you have been unable to use the car for 30
days while it’s in the shop, you might have a valid claim under the
Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act and could receive a refund on the cost to purchase the
vehicle or to have it replaced. Please contact us today for a free case
review.

Transmission Trouble

For years, Ford Focus owners complained about numerous transmission-related troubles, including difficulty shifting, the car jerking and lurching into motion, noises such as rattling and grinding, rollback, and complete failure of the transmission. In late June 2016, Ford Motor Company recalled 2015-2016 Ford Focus vehicles due to mechanical problems within the transmission. The differential pinion gear shaft overheats and fractures, leading to loss of power, and loss of the park function. This action follows an earlier recall in July 2015 for difficulties with engine shut-off failure and unexpected vehicle movement.

Stalling

Drivers of the Ford Focus describe a failure to accelerate and stalling of their car while in motion. This difficulty can have several causes. In April 2015, Ford recalled more than 40,000 automobiles — including the Ford Focus and Fiesta — due to nickel plating that can cause the pump to stop working. Later that year, Ford recalled certain Ford Escape and Focus vehicles due to improper engine wiring harness splices. As a result of these mechanical problems, the Ford Focus tends to shudder or stall in traffic, endangering vehicle operators, passengers, and nearby drivers.

Steering Problems

More than 124 injuries or deaths are attributed by Ford to steering problems in the Focus. Over 100 consumer complaints are on file about a sudden loss of power steering as the car is started or when underway.

Faulty Door Latches

In January 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated an investigation into complaints about door latches on the Ford Focus. According to driver complaints, the door latches fail suddenly, or refuse to latch. Drivers report doors flying open while driving, an inability to close doors, and repeated warning lights indicating that doors are open.

Suspension Issues

Ongoing legal action involving the Ford Focus alleges that a defect in the suspension of the car causes premature tire wear and handling problems. Worn tires and poor handling contribute to fatal accidents across the United States each year. The case, Margie Daniel et al. v. Ford Motor Company, dismissed by a lower court, was reinstated by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in late 2015.

These complaints represent just some of the common mechanical problems experienced by owners of the Ford Focus.

What to Do If You Have a Defective Ford Focus

If you’ve noticed any of these or other problems repeatedly, and your vehicle is still under the current manufacturer warranty, you may have a viable claim to recover the costs associated with the purchase or replacement of your vehicle. Fill out a no-risk, free case evaluation today. We’re here to help.